MAMEA 2015 Conference:
Guest Speakers:
Andy Wood
Coastal Plain Conservation Group
Ecosystem Collapse or Habitat Shift: Climate Change, Snails, and Unanticipated Consequences
For millennia, two species of freshwater snails thrived in bottomland swamps and beaver ponds connected with an ancient Cape Fear River. After thousands of years, sea level rise has drowned much of the river’s former track, and today the lower Cape Fear River communicates with an ocean some fifty miles inland from where they met during the last Ice Age. This continent-scale habitat loss has extinguished countless species we may never know. But two Ice-Age throwbacks remain, albeit only in captivity. With the aid of habitat photographs and living examples of the unglamorous but ecologically-significant plants and wildlife they support, ecologist and conservation educator Andy Wood provides insights and observations about a biologically-diverse coastal ecoregion now caught at the intersections of climate change, sea level rise, habitat shifting, and unintended consequences of human activities.
Bonnie Monteleone
Plastic Ocean Project
As the Director of Science, Research and Academic Partnerships for Plastic Ocean Project, Inc., Bonnie Monteleone is a researcher who has collected plastic marine samples globally including 4 of the 5 gyres, the Caribbean, and has extended this work to a desert lake. Monteleone completed her first field study exploration in the North Atlantic Gyre in July 2009 in collaboration with Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS). And has continued field study exploration around the world since. To date, she has 5 years of data sets from the North Atlantic, and a total of 217 surface samples were collected from all four oceans. Monteleone also works in the Chemistry Department at UNC Wilmington as an Administrative Assistant and Plastic Marine Debris Lab coordinator working with student Directed Independent Studies (DIS) research. Research projects very from fieldwork collecting beach samples to lab analysis looking at plastic leachates, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) uptakes, and plastic ingestion by marine organisms. Bonnie is also an accomplished artist, turning some of the plastic she collects on her voyages into modern artistic masterpieces.
Concurrent Sessions Speakers Roster
Megan Ennes
North Carolina State University
Title: The People Connection: Activities on Population and Marine Ecosystems
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: Discover innovative, hands-on activities to address the human impacts on marine life from our growing population and consumption trends. Explore the history of people and the ocean and prospects for a sustainable balance. Receive materials on CD-ROM.
Lisa Tossey and Chris Petrone
Delaware Sea Grant
Title: Lights, Camera, Science! Creating engaging sharable content through short format videos for social media.
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: Interested in learning how to plan and capture fun educational videos? And how to use them on social media to build awareness about your program? We’ll show you how we create our 15 Second Science videos from start to finish.
Robert Jakus
Beyond the Classroom Aquarium
Title: Classroom Aquatic Ecosystem Prototypes - Student Design, Critique, and Assembly Processes (AND Beyond)
Session Type: Demonstration
Abstract: In this session, participants are introduced to a cross section of operational aquatic ecosystem themed prototypes (and technologies) to stimulate discussion and exploration of STEM-oriented, project based learning activities related to learning activities in which student teams design, critique, assemble, and operate such systems. The range of standards addressed by students engaged in such activities is also explored. Ideas for overcoming barriers to implementation of a curricular sequence of project based, STEM-oriented, aquatic ecosystem themed learning activities in secondary level public school classrooms are also considered.
Brieanna Smith and Maria Madero
National Aquarium
Title: What Happens When City Youth Are In Charge?
Session Type: Research/Info
Abstract: Session participants will learn how we used the IEEIA model to engage inner city students in a research activity about biodiversity and how student’s uniquely presented their findings. Handouts and resources will be provided after participating in a hands-on activity.
Chris Petrone
Delaware Sea Grant and University of Delaware
Title: Under the Scope: Making zooplankton research accessible to K-12 classrooms and beyond
Session Type: Research/Info
Abstract: Zooplankton can be engaging ambassadors for many science topics, at all levels. UD researchers and educators are developing web-based resources for using zooplankton in classrooms; and building teacher-confidence in collecting/analyzing samples. *Warning: Real zooplankton will be used during this session.
Kristen Sharpe
Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Title: Investing Projected Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Salt Marsh Habitats in the Chesapeake Bay: Mock Marsh Transect
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: Improve climate literacy in your high school! Attendees will be introduced to a “mock marsh transect” which enhances students’ understanding of projected localized impacts of sea level rise. Participants will be given a copy of the activity at session’s end.
Kathy Fuller
National Aquarium
Title: Today’s Youth, Today’s Environmental Stewards
Session Type: Research/Info
Abstract: With more than 50% of the world’s population under the age of 25, we need youth to feel empowered to act now to help the environment. Through much effort in school and out of school, research shows that young people (ages 12-15) are the more knowledgeable about, and most willing to act for, environmental causes. Focusing on out-of-school-time programming at the National Aquarium as examples, learn how such programs have helped to empower youth to take action for the environment now, and how you and your students can get involved or start your own program. Hear in their own voices the impact of such programs from program alumni.
Patrick Curley
The Science House
Title: ROVs in the Classroom
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: The Science House at CMAST will demonstrate how it has implemented an ROV program in area schools located on the coast of North Carolina. During this program, participants will experience the design and launching of ROVs by designing their own system and accomplishing a mission.
Abigail Hummel
University of Florida and Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia
Title: Raising Awareness and Understanding of the Chesapeake Bay through Summer Education and Outreach
Session Type: Research/Info
Abstract: The Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia hosts summer camps for students entering first through eighth grades. We sought to evaluate camps’ effectiveness in influencing students’ scientific knowledge and their attitudes toward marine science and the Chesapeake Bay.
Christina Romano
Towson University
Title: It’s A Gassy World!: A hands-on climate change lab
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: Explore how to incorporate climate change into your middle school curriculum! SciTech staff will introduce you to their new investigation that has students designing their own experiments as they explore the role of CO2, rising ocean temperatures, and climate change.
JoAnne Powell
Retired Marine Educator
Title: "Cuba: before the maul"
Session Type: Research/Info
Abstract: A look at the natural history and culture of Cuba in the spring of 2015, before the country is opened to all US travelers. Includes a discussion of what opportunities and problems may exist for studying and comparing coastal and near shore ecosystems to the north.
Carol Hopper Brill
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Title: Shell Shocked: Molluscan Macroevolution for the K-12 Classroom
Session Type: Hands-on Workshop
Abstract: This session will share a fun, investigative activity for middle and high school classes. Students analyze gastropod seashells, not as objects of beauty, but as artifacts of an evolutionary tradeoff – costly to build and carry around, yet essential for survival.
Patrick Curley
The Science House
Title: Making Coastal Connections with Students and Teachers
Session Type: Research/Info
Description: By partnering university researchers and students with innovative programs and volunteer opportunities, The Science House helps educators produce successful grants, powerful outreach, and a platform to make a real difference in advancing STEM to every corner of the state. Learn how The Science House at CMAST is providing programs for students and teachers through it's coastal connections programs.